Urgency may be the most overused word in the modern management lexicon. Too many managers make all issues urgent, thereby watering down the impetus for action.
Instilling a proper sense of urgency involves a hands-on approach from senior management.
In this video, I offer insights into how executives can instill a proper sense of urgency without burning out their people.
Senior leaders today need to take that advice to heart. Act with urgency when it matters, but create a system where problems can be solved before they become urgent.
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I was once criticized for not acting with a sense of urgency on a project I was leading that was on track and going well. I don't understand the philosophy of treating everything like it's something to stress out about. If things are going well, everyone is making progress at the rate they are expected to make progress at, how is it good management to make everyone unnecessarily stressed?
I totally agree. It just makes people burn out in the long run. How is that good management?
There has to be a balance between sense of urgency and action. Too many times management creates more work for themselves creating bigger issues.
If you plan well, pay attention to details and lead well, you don't have stressful urgency. Employees and people who seek out, create and thrive on urgency have a history of drama and thrive on it. They don't feel safe or like they're doing what they need to do UNLESS they create urgency. Businesses don't take enough time to understand that employees personal histories and styles (usually unconscious drives) play a large role in creating urgency.
Excellent points, John, – and I would add that taking a more proactive approach to coaching can help avoid the urgency trap. Leaders should engage in ongoing, open, transparent discussions with team members and direct reports – in an environment designed to help coach their direct reports for success. Far too often, leaders only get involved once there’s a problem looming on the horizon, which in turn can lead to the “managing by urgent” style John refers to here.